Best 7 Macsagna Recipes

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**Macsagna: A Unique and Flavorful Twist on Classic Comfort Foods**

Indulge in a culinary journey that harmoniously blends the beloved flavors of lasagna and macaroni and cheese in the extraordinary dish known as Macsagna. This innovative recipe artfully combines the richness and savory essence of lasagna with the creamy, gooey goodness of macaroni and cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Prepare to embark on a tantalizing adventure as we delve into two distinct renditions of Macsagna. The first recipe, Traditional Macsagna, remains faithful to the classic lasagna experience, featuring layers of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all topped with a golden-brown layer of mozzarella cheese. Alternatively, the Vegetarian Macsagna presents a vibrant and flavorful twist, showcasing a hearty combination of roasted vegetables, spinach, and three types of cheese, ensuring a delectable and satisfying experience for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. No matter your preference, both Macsagna recipes promise an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

BEST LASAGNA



Best Lasagna image

Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. -Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

9 lasagna noodles
1-1/4 pounds bulk Italian sausage
3/4 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (one 28 ounces, one 15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2/3 cup water
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley, divided
2 teaspoons dried basil
3/4 teaspoon fennel seed
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook sausage, beef and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Drain., Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 3 tablespoons parsley, basil, fennel, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally., In a small bowl, mix egg, ricotta cheese and remaining parsley and salt., Preheat oven to 375°. Spread 2 cups meat sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles and a third of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce and cheeses (dish will be full)., Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 27g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 109mg cholesterol, Sodium 1013mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 35g protein.

THE MOST AMAZING LASAGNA RECIPE



The Most Amazing Lasagna Recipe image

The Most Amazing Lasagna Recipe is the best recipe for homemade Italian-style lasagna. The balance between layers of cheese, noodles, and homemade bolognese sauce is perfection!

Provided by Rachel Farnsworth

Categories     Main Dish

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large white onion (diced)
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 pound lasagna noodles
30 ounces ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pound thinly sliced mozzarella cheese (about 24 slices)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add in ground sausage and ground beef. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Add in onion and garlic and cook until meat is well browned, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar, fresh basil, fennel, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and wine*. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a pan. Pour hot tap water directly over the noodles, making sure the pasta is completely immersed in the water. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then drain and discard water.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg. Refrigerate until ready to assemble lasagna.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a deep 9x13 pan.
  • To assemble, spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 4 noodles on top. Spread with 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/4 of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Repeat layering two more times to create three complete layers. To finish, place a final layer of pasta, topped with another 1 cup of meat sauce to cover the pasta. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes to allow cheese to brown. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 834 kcal, Carbohydrate 54 g, Protein 63 g, Fat 39 g, SaturatedFat 19 g, Cholesterol 174 mg, Sodium 1514 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

WORLD'S BEST LASAGNA



World's Best Lasagna image

It takes a little work, but it is worth it.

Provided by John Chandler

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
¾ pound lean ground beef
½ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
½ cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.2 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 1400.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

THE BEST LASAGNA



The Best Lasagna image

This classic lasagna is made with an easy meat sauce as the base. Layer the sauce with noodles and cheese, then bake until bubbly! This is great for feeding a big family, and freezes well, too.

Provided by Elise Bauer

Categories     Dinner     Casserole     Comfort Food     Freezer-friendly     Casserole     Lasagna     Pasta

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 21

For the meat sauce:
2 teaspoons Extra virgin olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (chuck)
1/2 onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
1/2 large bell pepper (green, red, or yellow), diced (about 3/4 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 28-ounce can good quality tomato sauce
3 ounces (half a 6-oz can) tomato paste
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (preferably flat leaf), packed
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Pinch of garlic powder and/or garlic salt
1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup sugar (to taste, optional)
Salt
To assemble the lasagna:
1/2 lb dry lasagna noodles (requires 9 lasagna noodles - unbroken)
15 ounces Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 lb (24 ounces) Mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced
1/4 lb (4 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Put pasta water on to boil Put a large pot of salted water (1 Tbsp salt for every 2 quarts of water) on the stovetop on high heat. It can take a while for a large pot of water to come to a boil (this will be your pasta water), so prepare the sauce in the next steps while the water is heating.
  • Heat the oven to 375°F
  • Bake Cover the lasagna pan with aluminum foil, tented slightly so it doesn't touch the noodles or sauce). Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Uncover in the last 10 minutes if you'd like more of a crusty top or edges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 813 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 183 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 60 g, SaturatedFat 26 g, Sodium 1849 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 51 g, ServingSize Serves 8, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

CLASSIC LASAGNA



Classic Lasagna image

While not a 30-minute meal, this lasagna is quicker and more straightforward than most. If you're in a real time crunch, use your favorite jarred red sauce. For greater success with the lasagna noodles, which have a tendency to stick together, boil them in the largest pot possible or work in batches - they need as much water as possible to move freely so they don't clump. This lasagna can be assembled, baked and refrigerated up to five days ahead, or frozen up to a month ahead if wrapped tightly.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     dinner, weekday, weeknight, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 2h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or hot (optional), casings removed
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, grated or shredded into small pieces
16 ounces (2 cups) whole milk ricotta
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling on top (optional)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound dried lasagna noodles (not the no-boil variety)
Olive oil

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sausage, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's starting to brown but not yet crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until the tomato paste has turned a deeper brick red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes.
  • Using your hands, crush the whole tomatoes into smaller, bite-size pieces and add them and the crushed tomatoes, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Fill one of the tomato cans halfway with water and add it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Make the lasagna: Heat oven to 375 degrees and set a large pot of salted water to boil.
  • Set aside 1 cup mozzarella. In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella, ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan and cream; season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Cook lasagna noodles in the large pot of salted boiling water until just softened (before they are even aldente), about 4 minutes. Drain and separate any noodles that are trying to stick together, slicking them with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking further.
  • Spoon a bit of sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with a layer of noodles, avoiding any heavy overlap.
  • Top with about 1 ¼ cups of sauce, and dollop ¼ of the cheese mixture over. Top with another layer of noodles and repeat three more times, ending with the last of the noodles (depending on size of the noodle/shape of the baking dish, you may have a few extra noodles) and the last of the sauce. Top with reserved 1 cup mozzarella and more Parmesan, if you like.
  • Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place baking dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet (to prevent any overflow from burning on the bottom of your oven).
  • Bake until pasta is completely tender and cooked through and sauce is bubbling up around the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and increase temperature to 450 degrees. Continue to bake until lasagna is golden brown on top with frilly, crispy edges and corners, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 938, UnsaturatedFat 29 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 44 grams, SaturatedFat 26 grams, Sodium 1333 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams

LASAGNA



Lasagna image

In 2001, Regina Schrambling went on a week long odyssey in search of the ultimate lasagna recipe. She tested several, and finally found her ideal in a mash-up of recipes from Giuliano Bugialli and Elodia Rigante, both Italian cookbook authors. "If there were central casting for casseroles, this one deserved the leading role. But its beauty was more than cheese deep. This was the best lasagna I had ever eaten. The sauce was intensely flavored, the cheeses melted into creaminess as if they were bechamel, the meat was just chunky enough, and the noodles put up no resistance to the fork. Most important, the balance of pasta and sauce was positively Italian. At last I could understand why my neighbor Geoff had told me, as I dragged home more bags in our elevator, that all-day lasagna is the only kind worth making."

Provided by Regina Schrambling

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 4h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, finely diced
2 large cloves minced garlic
8 ounces pancetta, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good red wine, preferably Italian
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 pound ground sirloin
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano
2 eggs
10 sprigs fresh parsley, leaves only, washed and dried
2 large whole cloves garlic
1/2 cup flour
1 pound Italian sausage, a mix of hot and sweet
1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 extra-large eggs
2 cups freshly grated pecorino Romano
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 pound mozzarella, grated
16 sheets fresh lasagna noodles, preferably Antica Pasteria

Steps:

  • For the sauce, heat 1/2 cup oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or kettle over low heat. Add the onions, minced garlic and pancetta, and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes, until the onions are wilted. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Raise heat slightly, add the wine and cook until it is mostly reduced, about 20 minutes. Crush the tomatoes into the pan, and add their juice. Add the tomato paste and 2 cups lukewarm water. Simmer for 1 hour.
  • Combine the sirloin, cheese and eggs in a large bowl. Chop the parsley with the whole garlic until fine, then stir into the beef mixture. Season lavishly with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix until all the ingredients are well blended. Shape into meatballs and set aside.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dust the meatballs lightly with flour, shaking off excess, and lay into the hot oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (do not cook through) and transfer to the sauce.
  • In a clean skillet, brown the sausages over medium-high heat. Transfer to the sauce. Simmer 1 1/2 hours.
  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, pecorino Romano, parsley and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  • Remove the meatballs and sausage from the sauce, and set aside to cool slightly, then chop coarsely. Spoon a thick layer of sauce into the bottom of a 9-by-12-inch lasagna pan. Cover with a layer of noodles. Spoon more sauce on top, then add a third of the meat and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat for 2 more layers, using all the meat and cheese. Top with a layer of noodles, and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1085, UnsaturatedFat 43 grams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 77 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 50 grams, SaturatedFat 28 grams, Sodium 1335 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CLASSIC LASAGNE



Classic lasagne image

Prepare this easy lasagne ahead of time and save in the freezer, uncooked, for when you need it during a busy week. Then just bake for an extra 45 mins.

Provided by Emma Lewis

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tbsp olive oil, plus a little for the dish
750g lean beef mince
90g pack prosciutto
half quantity of our tomato sauce
200ml hot beef stock
a little grated nutmeg
300g pack fresh lasagne sheets
half quantity of our white sauce
125g ball mozzarella, torn into thin strips

Steps:

  • To make the meat sauce, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and cook 750g lean beef mince in two batches for about 10 mins until browned all over.
  • Finely chop 4 slices of prosciutto from a 90g pack, then stir through the meat mixture.
  • Pour over 800g passata or half our basic tomato sauce recipe and 200ml hot beef stock. Add a little grated nutmeg, then season.
  • Bring up to the boil, then simmer for 30 mins until the sauce looks rich.
  • Heat oven to 180C/fan/160C/gas 4 and lightly oil an ovenproof dish (about 30 x 20cm).
  • Spoon one third of the meat sauce into the dish, then cover with some fresh lasagne sheets from a 300g pack. Drizzle over roughly 130g ready-made or homemade white sauce.
  • Repeat until you have 3 layers of pasta. Cover with the remaining 390g white sauce, making sure you can't see any pasta poking through.
  • Scatter 125g torn mozzarella over the top.
  • Arrange the rest of the prosciutto on top. Bake for 45 mins until the top is bubbling and lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 580 calories, Fat 32 grams fat, SaturatedFat 14 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 31 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 44 grams protein, Sodium 1.71 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use a good quality lasagna noodle that will hold its shape when cooked.
  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions.
  • Use a non-stick baking dish to prevent the lasagna from sticking.
  • Layer the lasagna evenly, making sure to distribute the sauce, cheese, and noodles evenly.
  • Bake the lasagna at the temperature and for the time specified in the recipe.
  • Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Macsagna is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its combination of pasta, cheese, and meat, macsagna is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe, give macsagna a try!

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